Wardley vs Dubois: Noel Gallagher, Chris Eubank Jr. and more react to the stoppage

Noel Gallagher and Chris Eubank Jr have declared Daniel Dubois’ victory over Fabio Wardley the “fight of the year” so far. Others questioned why the epic encounter wasn’t stopped sooner.

Dubois recovered from two knockdowns to batter Wardley in the second half of the fight as he won the WBO heavyweight title in Manchester. Ringside doctors allowed the fight to continue after two visits.

Wardley stumbled off his stool at the start of round 10 and should not have been allowed to continue, retired fighter Darren Barker said.

“Save the man, he’s a father, he’s got a family — pull the plug on it now,” Barker said on DAZN.

Retired world champion Carl Frampton called Wardley “the bravest man he’s ever met”, but also expressed concern.

Frampton added, “At least the referee or his corner should have stepped in before the tenth round.”

In the moments after the fight, Wardley is seen leaning on the ropes to talk to his family, telling them he’s “okay”.

Former super-middleweight world champion Richie Woodhall said Wardley was a “victim” of his previous performances.

Wardley, 31, was heavily trailing on the scorecards against Joseph Parker and Justice Hooney before securing a late stoppage.

“It was uncomfortable at times. We know how tough Wardley is. We’ve always said going into it he’s probably the toughest puncher he’s faced. I can’t believe the shots he’s taken, he’s never hit the canvas,” Woodhall told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“In the past, the way he fought and the way he recovered. The referees let it go on for too long. Fabio is the victim.”

Boxing expert Steve Bunce agreed that Wardley “had a limit” to what he could do after an incredible start in the first three rounds, fully exposed by the 10th round.